Astros potential trade list

The rebuilding Astros are 27 games below .500 just three weeks away from the July 31 trade deadline and have multiple players that are deal-worthy. General manager Jeff Luhnow is adamant the club could be relatively quiet and won’t repeat its 2012 firesale. If the Astros make moves, here’s who tops the potential trade list.

Position players

1B/DH Carlos Pena – Hitting just .214 with only eight home runs entering Wednesday, the 13-year veteran appears to be nearing the end of his career, is making $2.9 million this season and doesn’t fit the club’s rebuilding plan — let alone the final two months of the season.

R Bud Norris – Norris is the Astros’ highest paid player ($3 million) and leads the team in ERA (3.63) and strikeouts (81). He’s likely a No. 4 starter on a winning team. But the pitching market is weak this year and Norris has long drawn attention.

R Lucas Harrell – The former No. 2 starter was recently demoted to the bullpen and has a 5.06 ERA. Harrell has less value than Norris. But he doesn’t want to be a reliever and has soured on the club’s new direction.

L Erik Bedard – The crafty 34-year-old lefthander has been dependable in 2013. While his numbers (3-5, 4.67 ERA) don’t shine, there’s always a spot for a proven starter in August and September.

Relievers

R Jose Veras – The 32-year-old righthander has 17 saves before the All-Stark break for a club that was out of the playoff picture in mid-April. If another team wants Veras, it’s hard to see the Astros not giving him up.